Following the release of Tiyon Evans, the Houston Roughnecks have opted to bring back running back Ezra Gray to bolster their roster. Gray had initially been part of the team during Training Camp and has now been re-signed for the final stretch of games.

Gray’s return marks a unique pickup for the Roughnecks, considering his limited playing time during the 2023 USFL season with Memphis. Despite this, Houston selected Gray in the first round of the UFL Super Draft, indicating their belief in his potential impact on the team.

 

During his tenure in the USFL, Ezra Gray had stints with both the New Orleans Breakers and the Memphis Showboats. Throughout the season, Gray’s standout moment came in week ten against the Birmingham Stallions, where he managed to break loose for one significant run. Despite limited opportunities, Gray accumulated a total of 37 rushing yards during the 2023 season.

The running back situation in Houston has indeed been intriguing this season. With Mark Thompson sidelined for the initial weeks and Kirk Merritt suffering an early injury, the Roughnecks faced challenges in their backfield. As a result, T.J. Pledger assumed the bulk of the carries, while Tiyon Evans was afforded limited opportunities. Evans, unfortunately, only managed to accumulate five rushing yards in the 2024 season, indicating his limited involvement in the offense.

The Houston Roughnecks’ decision to re-sign Ezra Gray brings an element of depth and experience to their running back room. Gray now has the opportunity to prove himself and contribute to the team’s success for the remainder of the season.

As for the Roughnecks’ chances of winning another game this year, it largely depends on various factors such as player performance, team chemistry, and opponents’ strengths. With Gray’s re-signing and potential impact, coupled with the resilience and determination of the team, there’s certainly a possibility for Houston to secure more victories as the season progresses.

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